Community Service is an important part of the program at the Brevard Center. In the past, students have worked with a wide range of organizations and in many different capacities which gives each student an opportunity to meet new people, to feel more a part of the community and to make a difference in the lives of others. Recent activities have included Brevard Zoo’s “Boo at the Zoo”, “Woofstock” to benefit Greyhound Pets of America and Autism Speaks’ “Walk Now for Autism” for which Ashley Titone raised over $2000 in contributions.

Moultrie Woodall particularly enjoyed doing a beach clean-up. It was “a real team effort” because of working “with lots of other volunteers” and had the extra benefit of an enjoyable walk on the beach. “I have not had a community service that I didn’t like,” Moultrie told me.

Students are offered a wide range of volunteer activities to participate in. Stuffing envelopes, staffing information booths or collecting aluminum cans were only some of the choices available last semester. Sam Kirby, Charlie Nielson and Daniel Eakin recently volunteered their time for Habitat for Humanity by working with kids in a play area set up at a local restaurant. “It gives us experience working in the community,” Daniel told me. Coming up in late February is Space Coast Early Intervention Center’s “Autism Awareness Festival” featuring a 5K run/walk.

A new program called “Give a Day, Get a Day.” is being sponsored by Disney Parks in Orlando and California which hopes to both inspire more people to volunteer and to acknowledge those who already do. Volunteers in eligible programs will receive one day admissions to a Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park. Brevard Center students will have the opportunity to participate in the program and receive a well earned reward for their efforts. However, students seem to know that what they do is reward enough. Moultrie Woodall thinks the Disney program is a “good idea in motivating people” but rejects the idea that a “material gain” is the reason why Brevard students give so much of themselves.

Thanks to all the students who have given of themselves in order to make the world a better place.